A Health Literacy-Focused Intervention for Latinos with Hypertension

Abstract

Latinos in the United States are experiencing increasing incidences of uncontrolled high blood pressure (HBP). Health literacy is an important determinant of adequate HBP self-management, yet no community-based intervention has effectively addressed health literacy in the management of HBP in the target community. The purpose of this study was to test the acceptability and preliminary efficacy of a health literacy-focused HBP intervention in Spanish-speaking Latinos with uncontrolled HBP. Using a one-group pre- and post-test study design, the study intervention was delivered to Spanish-speaking Latinos in Baltimore, MD, who had uncontrolled HBP. The intervention consisted of four weekly group sessions for health literacy training combined with disease knowledge education in HBP management, followed by phone counseling and text messages for 3 months. Seventeen participants received the study intervention. Eleven who completed the follow-up assessment at 16 weeks reported high satisfaction with the intervention. Participation in the intervention resulted in improved blood pressure, numeracy, and psychological outcomes. Our findings support health literacy education as a promising avenue in promoting HBP control among inner-city Spanish-speaking Latinos.

Keywords

• health literacy
• high blood pressure
• hypertension